ByDiscover the latest credit card news: Chase Freedom 5% categories for 2026, Messa mortgage rewards card shutdown, Chase Freedom Unlimited $300 bonus, and a new 5% grocery credit card from SoFi.
Chase Freedom Updates, Credit Card Shutdown Shock, and New 5% Grocery Card Explained
Introduction
The U.S. credit card landscape is changing fast, and this month has brought some major updates that every rewards enthusiast should know about. From new Chase Freedom 5% quarterly categories, to the sudden shutdown of a mortgage-points credit card, a limited-time high welcome bonus, and a brand-new card offering 5% back on groceries, there’s a lot to unpack.
In this article, we break down all the latest credit card news, explain what it means for everyday users, and help you decide which offers are actually worth your attention.
Chase Freedom & Freedom Flex 5% Categories: What You Can Earn Right Now
Chase Freedom and Chase Freedom Flex cards are well known for offering 5% cash back (or 5x points) on rotating quarterly categories, up to $1,500 in spending per quarter.
Current 5% Categories (Q4 2025)
For the final quarter of 2025, Chase has activated the following categories:
- Old Navy
- Chase Travel
- Department Stores
- PayPal (December only)
If you haven’t maximized these categories yet, there’s still time. Spending $1,500 can earn you $75 cash back or 7,500 Ultimate Rewards points.
New Chase Freedom 5% Categories (January–March 2026)
Chase has officially announced the Q1 2026 categories, and they include:
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Dining
- American Heart Association (donations)
While cruise lines and charity donations may be niche, dining is the standout category here and offers massive earning potential if used strategically.
How to Earn Up to 10 Points Per Dollar on Dining
The Chase Freedom Flex already earns 3% back on dining as a base reward. When dining becomes a 5% quarterly category, Chase adds 4 extra points per dollar, bringing the total to:
- 7 points per dollar on dining (Freedom Flex)
Now here’s where it gets even better.
Built Dining Program Hack
By enrolling in the Built Dining program (free to join), you can earn:
- +3 Built points per dollar at participating restaurants
This means you can earn:
- 7 Chase points + 3 Built points = 10 total points per dollar
Since Chase and Built share many transfer partners like British Airways and Hyatt, this strategy can deliver incredible value for travel redemptions.
Shocking News: Messa Credit Card Shut Down Overnight
One of the most surprising developments this month was the sudden shutdown of the Messa Homeowners Credit Card.
What Made the Messa Card Special?
- Earned points on mortgage payments
- Up to 100,000 points per year
- Around $600 in annual statement credits
- No annual fee
This made it one of the rare “unicorn” cards in the rewards space.
Why Did Messa Shut Down?
According to Messa’s official statement, the closure was a company-wide business decision, not related to individual cardholders.
The likely reasons include:
- Unsustainable business model
- Giving rewards on spend not processed through the card
- Rising competition from Built 2.0, which is expected to support both rent and mortgage payments
Built 2.0: The Future of Rent & Mortgage Rewards?
Built has already confirmed plans to launch Built 2.0, allowing users to earn points on:
- Rent payments
- Mortgage payments (starting February)
However, some users remain skeptical about long-term sustainability, especially after Built was previously dropped by Wells Fargo. Still, it remains one of the most anticipated reward card launches.
Chase Freedom Unlimited Limited-Time Bonus: $300 for $500 Spend
Chase is currently offering one of its best-ever welcome bonuses on the Chase Freedom Unlimited card.
Welcome Offer Details
- $300 cash back (30,000 points)
- Only $500 spend in first 3 months
- No annual fee
Normally, this card offers $200–$250 bonuses, making this a rare and generous deal.
Why Freedom Unlimited Is Worth It
- Earns 1.5% back on all purchases
- Pairs perfectly with Freedom Flex
- Points can be transferred to Chase Sapphire or Ink cards
- Ideal for building a Chase Trifecta
New SoFi Credit Card Offers Unlimited 5% Back on Groceries
SoFi has launched a new credit card that promises unlimited 5% cash back at grocery stores, making it one of the highest grocery earners available.
Key Benefits
- Unlimited 5% back on grocery purchases
- Gift cards purchased at grocery stores may also qualify
- No earning caps
Important Caveats
- Requires SoFi Plus membership
- Costs $10/month ($120/year)
- No rewards on non-grocery spending
Is SoFi Plus Worth the Fee?
SoFi Plus includes additional benefits that may offset the cost, such as:
- 2% IRA match
- Higher savings account APY
- Other financial perks
If you’re already a SoFi Plus member, this card is a no-brainer. If not, it’s worth reviewing whether the extra benefits justify the effective annual fee.
Final Thoughts
This month delivered some of the biggest credit card updates we’ve seen in a while:
- Chase dining categories can earn up to 10x points
- Messa’s shutdown highlights how fragile mortgage rewards are
- Freedom Unlimited’s $300 bonus is a standout deal
- SoFi’s 5% grocery card is powerful—but niche
As always, the best card depends on your spending habits, travel goals, and long-term strategy.
